The Welshman’s set-piece found the corner from over 30 yards out to set Carlo Ancelotti’s men on the way to a 4-1 victory despite playing most of the match with 10 men after defender Sergio Ramos’ sending-off.

Bale has now netted five goals in seven games and was in positive mood when he reflected on Madrid’s victory at the Bernabeu, which sends them through to the Champions League knockout stages as Group B winners.

"I am very satisfied by the game and the goal I scored,” the 24-year-old said to Marca.

“I have been working on free kicks in training and I have been fortunate that this one has come off so well. It is one of the best goals of my career.

“For me, there are no limits to what we can achieve in the competition. We have a good chance to win the Champions League this year.

"We showed character and camaraderie to play like we did when we were a man down.”

Bale’s team-mate Asier Illarramendi was delighted with Madrid’s second-half performance, saying they adjusted perfectly after Ramos received a red card after 26 minutes.

The former Real Sociedad midfielder said: "When we are left with one man less the team will always suffer a little and that was the case here, especially at the end of the first half.

“But at half-time we talked about a few things and in the second we pressed them much higher and we played a lot better.

“We put three in the middle with Isco and Bale up top and we have done superbly. I am very happy with the result. "

Los Blancos’ next game is a home clash against Valladolid on Saturday evening in the Primera Division.